Clausicella floridensis
This record describes Clausicella floridensis (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Typical specimens have 3 postsutural dorsocentrals evenly spaced with none notably weak, no median marginals on T3, proboscis shorter than head, and a black abdomen with narrow basal white bands.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tachininae
- Tribe
- Leskiini
- Genus
- Clausicella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread in United States and southern Canada, despite being named for Florida
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are parasitoids of Lepidoptera (recorded from Pyralidae and Olethreutidae).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Clausicella floridensis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Clausicella floridensis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Clausicella floridensis
What is Clausicella floridensis?
Clausicella floridensis is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Clausicella floridensis?
Typical specimens have 3 postsutural dorsocentrals evenly spaced with none notably weak, no median marginals on T3, proboscis shorter than head, and a black abdomen with narrow basal white bands.
Where is Clausicella floridensis found?
Range: Widespread in United States and southern Canada, despite being named for Florida
What does Clausicella floridensis eat?
The diet of the Clausicella floridensis includes Larvae are parasitoids of Lepidoptera (recorded from Pyralidae and Olethreutidae)..